Vehicle interior trim panel assembly having an integrated soft-touch arm rest and method of manufacturing same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an interior trim panel assembly having an integrated soft-touch area for improved aesthetic trim component quality. The method of manufacturing a trim panel assembly for the interior of a vehicle having an integrated soft-touch area of the present invention includes placing a molded trim panel including a coverstock having an exposed outer surface and a foam backing disposed opposite the outer surface and a rigid substrate having at least one aperture bonded to the coverstock into a mold cavity. The method of manufacture further includes separating the bonded coverstock and rigid polymer substrate in a localized area to define an internal chamber accessible by the aperture. The method of manufacture also includes injecting soft foam into the internal chamber through the aperture so as to be juxtaposed between the coverstock and the rigid polymer substrate in at least one predetermined location to define an integrated soft-touch area.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates, generally, to molded trim panels for automotive vehicle interiors. More specifically, the present invention relates to a vehicle interior trim panel assembly having an integrated soft-touch armrest and method of manufacturing same.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Interior trim automobile components commonly have cushioned, “soft-touch” aesthetic features. In particular, automotive interior panels often have designated cushioned areas in the armrest or center console. These soft-touch areas may be manufactured separate from the interior trim panel, per se, and later assembled thereto or a soft-touch area may be integrated within an interior trim panel during its manufacture. In either event, a soft-touch aesthetic feature may be imparted by a flexible-foam or elastomeric pad of varying thickness surrounded by a coverstock material to provide available cushioned support to the oc...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]Accordingly, one advantage of the present invention is that it provides an integrated soft-touch area within a vehicle interior trim panel to reduce the steps necessary to manufacture a vehicle interior trim panel having a soft-touch area.

[0016]Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides an integrated soft-touch area during manufacture of the trim panel that eliminates quality issues relating to positive alignment during later assembly of a soft-touch area within a trim panel.

[0017]Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a monolithic coverstock to reduce the variation of color and texture between the trim panel and soft-touch area.

Problems solved by technology

However, issues relative to proper fitting and maintaining a uniform color and texture between the coverstock on the soft-touch area and the rest of the trim panel assembly have been known to arise.

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